This was our first self catering holiday booked as a package.

The bar on site was still open when we arrived and we able to eat and drink before we went to bed.

What can you say about the staff? courteous, ever helpful, nearly always smiling and pleasnt.

The apartment itself was amazing with tiled floos. Large bath room, bed room and a large dining/lounge area plus a balcony.

Just across the road is a mini mart and that had everything we needed at very comparable prices to the rest of europe and some items which to us were a "steal".

There was a regular free bus service to the beach or town or you could walk. It is however quite a climb even if gradual from the town but to the beach it is at points quite steep. Not wholly recommended for people who struggle walking. There is an hourly local bus service as well as the free bus.

There is easy access to other bars and resteraunts in the area and there are loads of them both locally and in the town. Prices are good as well and if you need a taxi back from the town it is about 4 euros.

Enjoyed the apartment, Lagos itself and the baches. Even went on a Dolphin trip. Wow that was fun. Because we went at the end of the season we didn't pay as much as advertised but what an experience. There are loads of companies offering these trips so look around and see who gives the best deal.

The ONLY downsides, besides losing our camera at the end of the holiday, was the trip from the airport to the apartment because it was a trip that went on every back road it could find and we were the 2nd last off the coach.

Also watch out for beggars. They more an annoyance rather than a threat and a polite NO! usually does the trick. One thing I did notice is they seem to meet in teams

The apartments are excellent - recommended

Lagos itself is recommended.

And would we go again?


YES!!!!

We were more than happy to re book Villabranca at a good price, and were delighted with what we got. Went for a 2 bedroomed this time - it was massive ! Huge sitting room, 2 big bathrooms, big kitchen, and best of all 3 big balconies ( I believe most of the 2 bedroomed apts have 2 balconies). The rooms are slightly sparsly furnished for thier size so it can be a bit echo-y but that is really splitting hairs . Yes the tv is a bit basic, and 'crackly' but thats not what we go on holiday for - nice just to catch up with the news ( or , lets be honest 'Strictly')
If anything we thought the complex was better than 2 years ago - all the public spaces are very spic and span - quickly resored after a huge storm. The pools are lovely but a bit chilly , it being October. Apartment cleaned twice during our stay, clean linen etc. Manger and staff very pleasant. We like the location as its quiet and a bit residential, so feels a bit local rather than a tourist zone. Very safe - the teenagers can do thier own thing.
Overall - if you want a good no-frills apartment then it would be hard to beat.

We returned from a very enjoyable 14 day holiday in the Vilabranca apts on the 26 October. The apartments are set in their own extensive grounds in the middle of an upmarket residential area within 15 mins walk from both the beach and the town of Lagos.
The accommodation we occupied was end apartment 310, a first floor one bed overlooking the pool. First impressions were of a large clean, bright and airy apartment, which offered a generous size lounge, kitchen and bathroom, decorated in neutral colours with clean comfortable furnishings.
The bedroom was large with a king size bed and plenty of storage space. There is air conditioning in both the living space and the bedroom which is both quiet and very effective. The balcony which over looks the pool is a good size and is complete with modern and quite stylish table and chairs which match the loungers and tables around the pool. The kitchen is well equipped with everything necessary for self catering and has an excellent multi purpose oven, grill/microwave. the only surprising thing we found is that there is no electric kettle, just a whistling version. The grounds and pool areas ( there are two ) are clean and well kept as are the buildings themselves. We had four changes of bed linen and five towel changes during our stay which was good for 3 star accommodation..The staff are second to none and are always willing to go out of their way to help whatever the problem. They are pleasant and seem to enjoy their jobs with always a smile and a friendly greeting.
Just opposite the entrance is a small supermarket which stocks most items which you may require during your stay. If you wish to visit a larger and cheaper alternative there is an excellent Spar about 500 mtrs further down the road into Lagos on the left hand side.
Lagos ( pronounced Lagosh ) Is a charming place with narrow cobbled streets leading out into piazzas or squares which is very Romanesque in flavour. the old town is walled and evidence of this still exists, with gateways and large portions of the original wall still in existence. We have been to many towns on the Algarve over the years and know the area well and found Lagos quite expensive in comparison to similar areas, both for food and drink, so shop around for the best prices. Altogether we had a very enjoyable holiday, with great weather ( 24 to 30 degrees ) and most of all great accommodation, in a nice area of the Algarve.

My partner and I stayed at Vilabranca apartments at the end of August for 2weeks. We read lots of reviews and decided this would suit us the most.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the manager, who could not have been more helpful. He was eagr to show us where we would find beaches, activities etc...
He showed us to our apartment and we were very happy. We were on a budget and I was worried that would mean a small room, but we had a large apartment with, big living room, and nice kitchen. It was spotless and the sheets and towels were changed everyother days.

The hotel pools were lovely and had ample sun loungers, it was a perfect family area. Which brings me to my first downside, we are a young couple without children and it was very quiet and nothing to really do at the pool, it is very much geared towards families. This is by no means a downside to vilbranca, just unlucky that we chose a quiet area.

Secondly the only other bad point was the distance to town and main beach, it is quite a walk each day. It took around 30min to get into town, across marina and to the main beach. The upside to this we found is that we ate exactly what we wanted and gained no weight! Which was great!

The food at vilabranca was good. The food at several other places in town was not good. Choose carefully, we could count on one hand the amount of place that we really enjoyed.

Try - Linda's bar on the beach ( book or you won't get in)
The patio - very tucked away but worth it and again book.
There are others but these two are best.

All in all, vilbranca is for you if you have a family, maybe rent a car?

But great apartments great service - very clean.